Kado ready to challenge as Army QB

He's studied videos of new Army coach Jeff Monken's triple-option offense at Georgia Southern. He caught a few of Army's spring practices to learn more.

Brown, a freshman quarterback from Ventura, Calif., believes he can challenge veterans Angel Santiago and A.J. Schurr this season.

"My goal right now is I'm hoping I can come and there and try to make an impact," said Brown, who is part of a plebe class, which reports to West Point for reception day on Wednesday. "I'm going to be honest, I've been working really hard and it's always been my goal to be a Division I starting quarterback."

This year? Yes. Brown is hoping to win the job in preseason camp, which begins Aug. 4.

"I know there hasn't been anyone since Trent Steelman (in 2009) to start their freshman year, but I want to go in there and really just give it my all and give it my shot to get in the running," said Brown, who is 6-foot and 194 pounds. "I know they have two returners that got playing time, A.J. Schurr and Angel Santiago. They played pretty well last year. I'm going to give them all I've got and do the best that I can. Hopefully, the coaches see something and I can see the field this year."

Brown split time with Ahmad Bradshaw, another incoming freshman, at Army Prep last fall. Bradshaw started and Brown rotated into the games. After graduating prep school May 17, Brown returned home to California and worked with his personal quarterback coach. He focused on his footwork and improving his passing game.

The Army's offense is "pretty complex, to be honest," Brown said. "It all really starts with the quarterback first, getting all your reads in, carrying out all of your fakes whether you keep the ball or give it. I know it's something that I'm going to have to put time into, as well, learning the offense and everything. If I don't learn that then I don't have a chance to do anything."

Santiago, a senior, started the first 11 games for Army in 2013 and led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns. Schurr, a junior, made his first career start against Navy in the season finale. He scored three third-quarter touchdowns against Hawaii last year.

Army's depth chart is fluid at quarterback. Schurr broke spring practice ahead of Santiago. Monken has said the competition for a starter would continue into the preseason.

"I just want to get coach's attention that I have what it takes to be an Army football player and a good football player at that," Brown said.